Las Vegas, Nevada – If you blinked during the main event of UFC 324, you likely missed a moment of pure, unadulterated chaos. On January 24, 2026, the T-Mobile Arena bore witness to a clash that defied tactical logic but delivered on every promise of violence. Justin Gaethje, the newly crowned Interim Lightweight Champion, walked away with the belt after a grueling 25-minute war, but it was Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett who left with the crowd’s roar, proving once and for all that he belongs among the elite.
For fans checking the UFC 324 results, the scorecard reads as a unanimous decision victory for Gaethje (49-46, 49-46, 48-47). However, the numbers fail to capture the sheer absurdity of a fight where a submission specialist refused to grapple and instead stood toe-to-toe with the most violent striker in lightweight history. Here is our complete recap of a night that reshaped the 155-pound division.
The Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Breakdown
Entering the octagon, the narrative was clear: Paddy Pimblett needed to get the fight to the mat immediately. Instead, the Liverpool native did the unthinkable. He met Justin Gaethje in the center of the cage and initiated a brawl.
Round 1-2: The Leg Kick Clinic
Gaethje opened with his trademark: ferocious, destabilizing low kicks. Reminiscent of his performance against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, Gaethje targeted Pimblett’s lead leg with surgical precision. By the end of the first round, Pimblett’s movement was visibly compromised. Yet, every time Gaethje landed, Pimblett fired back with looping hooks that found their mark, bloodying the nose of “The Highlight.”
Round 3: The Turning Point
This was the round that silenced the doubters. After absorbing a massive overhand right that would have floored 99% of the roster, Pimblett smiled, reset, and marched forward. He landed a stinging combination that wobbled Gaethje, momentarily shifting the momentum. It was a display of durability comparable to the legendary wars of the early 2010s. For a moment, the upset seemed possible.
The Championship Rounds
Experience ultimately prevailed. In rounds four and five, Gaethje’s cardio and discipline took over. While Pimblett survived on heart, Gaethje controlled the distance, mixing body shots with uppercuts. The stats told the story: Gaethje landed 156 significant strikes to Pimblett’s 108. Yet, as the final horn sounded, both men were still standing, their faces painted in crimson, embracing in a sign of mutual respect that only combat sports can produce.
Why Paddy Pimblett’s Stock Rose in Defeat
In MMA, a loss is not always a step backward. Much like Sean O’Malley’s loss to Marlon Vera (which he later avenged) or Gilbert Burns’ war with Khamzat Chimaev, a gritty performance in defeat can elevate a fighter’s status. Pimblett entered UFC 324 as an underdog whom many analysts expected to fold under Gaethje’s pressure. Instead, he displayed a “granite chin” and an indomitable will.
- Durability: Surviving five rounds with Gaethje is a badge of honor previously held by only a few elites like Max Holloway and Eddie Alvarez.
- Striking Evolution: While technically outclassed, Pimblett showed improved boxing defense and counter-striking ability compared to his earlier UFC run.
- Fan Connection: The crowd’s reaction shifted from skepticism to adulation as the fight progressed. He proved he isn’t just a hype train; he is a legitimate top-5 contender.
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UFC 324 Results: The Rest of the Main Card
While the main event stole the headlines, the undercard was stacked with pivotal matchups for the future of several divisions.
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
In the co-main event, “Suga” Sean O’Malley put on a masterclass of distance management against the dangerous Song Yadong. Utilizing his reach advantage and feints, O’Malley picked apart the Chinese powerhouse to secure a clean 30-27 unanimous decision. This win likely sets him up for a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili later in 2026.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Umar Nurmagomedov continued his unbeaten run, defeating former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo via unanimous decision. Nurmagomedov’s grappling was suffocating, grounding Figueiredo in all three rounds and neutralizing the Brazilian’s power. It was a clinical, if not thrilling, performance that solidifies his claim for a bantamweight title shot.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
Father Time finally caught up with “The Black Beast.” Waldo Cortes-Acosta utilized superior speed and footwork to avoid Lewis’s power right hand before landing a crushing TKO in the second round. It was a passing-of-the-torch moment in the heavyweight division.
What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?
With Justin Gaethje now holding the Interim Belt, the path is clear for a unification bout with the undisputed champion, likely Islam Makhachev, later this year. For Gaethje, this represents perhaps his final run at the undisputed gold that has eluded him twice before.
For Paddy Pimblett, the road is different but promising. A matchup against a fellow striker like Dan Hooker or a grappling test against Beneil Dariush would make sense. He has proven his toughness; now he must refine his skills to take that final step toward championship gold.
Stay tuned to UFC.com for official fight announcements and mmaailm.ee for local coverage and analysis.
FAQ: Common Questions About UFC and MMA
How is an Interim Champion different from an Undisputed Champion?
An Interim Championship is created when the current champion is unable to defend their title due to injury or other reasons. The Interim Champion is effectively the number one contender, and they are guaranteed a fight against the Undisputed Champion to “unify” the belts when the champion returns.
How are UFC judges’ scores calculated?
UFC fights are scored using the “10-Point Must System.” Three judges score each round. The winner of the round gets 10 points, and the loser gets 9 or fewer. A 10-9 round is a close round, while a 10-8 round implies dominance. A 10-7 round is rare and indicates total overwhelming destruction.
Is MMA safe for beginners to learn?
Yes, learning MMA is generally safe if practiced in a reputable gym. Beginners focus on technique, conditioning, and drilling rather than full-contact sparring. Injuries can happen, as in any sport, but controlled training environments minimize these risks.
Where can I watch UFC events in Europe?
In Europe, UFC events are typically broadcast on local sports channels (like Viaplay in Nordic/Baltic regions, TNT Sports in the UK) or via UFC Fight Pass. Check your local listings or the mmaailm.ee news section for specific broadcasting rights in your area.
What does “Pound-for-Pound” mean?
Pound-for-pound (P4P) is a ranking system used to compare fighters across different weight classes. It attempts to answer the question: “If all fighters were the same size, who would be the best?” It is subjective and often debated by fans and analysts.
